CDC and Texas confirm monkeypox in U.S. traveler

Jul 16, 2021 - 02:52 PM
CDC Alert

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Texas Department of State Health Services yesterday confirmed a case of human monkeypox in a U.S. resident who recently traveled from Nigeria to the United States, CDC announced today.

The person is currently hospitalized in Dallas. CDC is working with the airline and state and local health officials to contact airline passengers and others who may have been in contact with the patient during two flights: Lagos, Nigeria, to Atlanta on July 8, with arrival on July 9; and Atlanta to Dallas on July 9. They believe the risk of spread to travelers on these flights and in the airports is low due to the current COVID-19-related requirement to wear masks.

A rare but potentially serious viral illness, monkeypox typically begins with flu-like illness and swelling of the lymph nodes and progresses to a widespread rash on the face and body. It caused a large U.S. outbreak in 2003 after the virus spread from imported African rodents to pet prairie dogs.

Related News Articles

Perspective
Caring for Older Americans Now and In the Future
Public
As of 2024, there were about 61 million Americans age 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, representing about 18% of the total U.S.…
Headline
Study finds flu, COVID-19 infection temporarily raises risk of heart attack, stroke 
A study published Oct. 30 by the American Heart Association found that people have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke following flu and COVID-19…
Headline
CDC says 3 cases of severe mpox in California may be linked to August case
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released an advisory Oct. 29 on three unrelated cases of clade I mpox recently identified in California. The…
Perspective
Gearing Up Our Defenses for Flu Season
Public
Getting an annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
Headline
AHA podcast: A Blueprint for Systemwide Care Transformation for Older Adults
Jon Zifferblatt, M.D., executive vice president and chief strategy officer at West Health, and Diane Wintz, M.D., critical care specialist and medical director…
Headline
Nearly 1,600 measles cases in U.S.
There have been 1,596 confirmed cases of measles across the U.S. this year, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.…